Dunnottar and Burn O' Vat with the Halls

Date of this adventure: April 3, 2013

Unfortunately, this was our last day with the Halls so we packed in as much as we could.

We started the day by visiting Dunnottar Castle.

"Dunnottar Castle was home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the Earls Marischal, from the 14th century when Sir William Keith, the 1st Earl Marischal, built his tower, also known as the Keep."

"The name Dunnottar stems from the Pictish word "Dun" which means hill fort or place of strength."

While Anne and Brad went in Dunnottar, James and I took some time to explore the neighboring beach.

Continuing on the Deeside, we stopped for a quick photo at Crathes Castle.

River Dee in Banchory

Loving the Highland Cattle

When we have visitors, we try to fit in at least one new activity along with our favorites. Earlier in the year, Nary recommended that we visit Burn O' Vat. James and I thought that while we were showing Scotland to his parents would be the perfect time to visit.

Heading toward the Vat

After an easy hike up and down a small hill, we came across this formation of stacked rocks. 

Then, we crawled through here. (The hole is actually bigger than it looks.)

Entering Burn O' Vat

Around 16,000 years ago, the area surrounding Burn O' Vat was covered by a glacial ice sheet. As the area warmed 14,000 years ago, the ice sheet began to melt, resulting in a torrent of melt water that carried with it debris previously caught up with it in the glacial ice. This debris, consisting of rocks and boulders, is thought to be the most important component of Burn O' Vat."

"Formed after the last ice-age, the Vat has been a popular attraction since Victorian times and has a long history as a hiding place for fugitives."

James doing a bit of exploring

Icicle hunting

For more information about the Burn O' Vat walk, click here.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle is a 4,000+ year old recumbent stone circle that is peculiar to north-east Scotland.

"Seen from the centre of the enclosure, the two half pillars command a view of Lochnagar, nearly twenty miles away. They would have also provided a view of the full moon around midsummer at the limit of its movement across the sky which happens once every generation. The site was reused for cremation burials around 1000 B.C."

Anne enjoying the breathtaking views of the countryside from the stone circle

It's always a good idea not to leave the marked path...

Thanks for visiting us, Anne and Brad! We had such a wonderful time with you all in Scotland!